10 Pick-Up Lines From History That Wouldn't Work Today
5. "I'm The Emperor Of China"
When the mad Duchess of Albemarle announced that she would only remarry if it was to royalty, most of the suitors hovering around to collect her fortune gave up. That is apart from the ambitious Ralph Montagu, who decided that his un-royal status should not be a barrier to his happiness. He wooed the mad duchess by convincing her that he was the emperor of China, even dressing up in ceremonial robes for the wedding. Once they were married he locked her away in her chambers on account of her being discomposd in her mind. She was, however, apparently treated as an empress by her servants for the rest of her days. Rather than being outraged at his behaviour, Montagus contemporaries found the whole thing quite hilarious and two plays were written about the marriage.
